A move back to private law practice will lead the Knox County state’s attorney to prematurely step away from his expiring term.
Knox County State’s Attorney Jeremy Karlin submitted his letter of resignation to Knox County Board Chairman Jared Hawkinson on June 15. Karlin will vacate the state’s attorneys office September 5 to take a position with the James Kelly Law Firm’s Galesburg office.
The Kelly Law Firm also served as legal counsel for the city of Galesburg.
Karlin defeated former Assistant State’s Attorney Brian Kerr in 2020 to gain his first term of Knox County state’s attorney. After originally announcing he would run for re-election in July 2023, he announced in November 2023 he would not second term.
Republican running unopposed in November
Republican Ashley Worby will run unopposed for the vacant Knox County state’s attorney position on the November 5 ballot. She currently works in the public defender’s office, but is expected shift to assistant state’s attorney prior to Karlin’s departure.
Karlin tells WGIL, “I was approached by a local firm and given an incredible opportunity. They want to increase their presence in Galesburg, and it was an offer I couldn’t pass up. It helps fill a need in Galesburg. There are fewer and fewer attorneys practicing law and representing the needs of the people in the community.
“When I was satisfied the state’s attorneys office was in good hands with whomever is appointed to fill out the remaining portion of my term, and then with Ashley Worby, I felt comfortable leaving at this time.
“So my leaving isn’t about the state’s attorney’s office, it’s about this great opportunity.”
Hawkinson tells WGIL state statute requires the board chair to name Karlin’s replacement within 60 days of vacating the office. The statute also requires the replacement to be of the same political party as the person exiting the position, meaning Worby cannot fill in for Karlin.
‘The office will be in good hands’
Karlin said he’s confident in Worby’s ability to lead the office.
“I’ve worked with Ashley for a number of years, and she’s a good attorney,” he said. “She’s experienced, and she has good relationships with law enforcement, as well as the co-workers in the office.
“She’s a known quantity who I believe will continue the vision of the state’s attorney’s office that I created when I came on nearly four years ago. The office will be in good hands.”
